How can the steric factor be greater than 1

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In summary, the steric factor is calculated by dividing the experimentally measured rate constant by the predicted rate constant from collision theory. It cannot be negative and can be greater than 1 when there are multiple reactive sites on the molecules. Temperature affects the steric factor by decreasing it as it increases. However, the steric factor has limitations as it is a simplified model that does not consider other factors and assumes all collisions lead to a reaction.
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BrianC12
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I noticed in my book, some reactions have a steric factor greater than 1. How is this possible? I thought reactions were collision limited and orientation can only limit reaction rate.
 
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1. How is the steric factor calculated?

The steric factor is calculated by dividing the experimentally measured rate constant for a reaction by the rate constant predicted by collision theory.

2. Can the steric factor be negative?

No, the steric factor cannot be negative. It is a dimensionless quantity that represents the fraction of collisions that result in a successful reaction, so it must be greater than or equal to 0.

3. Why can the steric factor be greater than 1?

The steric factor can be greater than 1 when the number of successful collisions is higher than what is predicted by collision theory. This can occur when there are multiple reactive sites on the molecules involved in the reaction, leading to more favorable orientations and higher chances of successful collisions.

4. How does temperature affect the steric factor?

As temperature increases, the steric factor decreases. This is because at higher temperatures, molecules have more kinetic energy and move faster, making it more difficult for them to align in a way that promotes successful collisions.

5. What are the limitations of the steric factor?

The steric factor is a simplified model and does not take into account other factors that may affect the rate of a reaction, such as the presence of catalysts, solvent effects, and quantum effects. It also assumes that all collisions between reactant molecules lead to a reaction, which is not always the case.

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